Manufacturing of High Conductivity, High Strength Copper and Aluminum Material for Railgun Application: Phase 1
Abstract
The objective of the phase I proposed research is to produce laboratory scale Cu and Al conductorsthat exceed the mechanical and electrical properties of current materials used in railgun applicationand are capable of carrying large amperage. We propose to modify the material microstructure tonanostructure grain size to enhance the strength and other mechanical properties as well aselectrical conductivity. To avoid losing ductility, we proposed to add a certain % of coarse grainsto the nano-crystalline size matrix. The coarse grains provide ductility. This is achieved throughusing multiple steps to break down the powder particle size to nanoscale level at cryogenictemperatures using cryogenic ball milling process. Cryogenic temperatures are necessary to avoidjoining and reformation of microscale powder. At the next step Cold Iso-Static Pressing (CIP) willbe used to consolidate the powder to solid form. The final step is cold extrusion which is used tomake the final shape of the conductors. Extrusion helps with breaking the prior particle boundaries(ppbs) and create a uniform material.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 17, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012436
Entities
People
- Leila Ladani
Organizations
- Arizona State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy